The Little Giant of Kogarah | Mark Shulman
Through jerseys, clippings and correspondence, the Mark Shulman collection reveals how rugby league’s smallest player became one of its bravest.
The story begins not on the field, but in preserved pages - scrapbook albums carefully compiled across a playing career. Now housed within the St George DRLFC archives, these albums capture a life measured in clippings, jerseys, and handwritten letters.
Arncliffe Scots, (Mark Shulman Collection) (20th Century)St. George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Football Club
The Boy Told He Wouldn’t Make It
Early clippings show a talented junior repeatedly described as undersized. From childhood, Shulman confronted doubt about whether his frame could survive rugby league. The criticism became fuel - shaping the evasive, tactical style that defined him.
Arncliffe to Ramsgate | Foundations of Skill
Team photographs from Arncliffe Scots and Ramsgate United reveal a slight half-back already commanding play. A 1962 Best and Fairest certificate, preserved in pristine condition, marks the first formal recognition of his ability.
“The best half-back prospect seen in the district.”
Local selector’s report, early 1960s
Schoolboy Brilliance at James Cook High
Newspaper clippings from James Cook High celebrate a dynamic attacking quartet. Margin notes beside one article underline praise for Shulman’s “intelligent kicking” - evidence of the tactical mind already developing.
State Selection | 1966
A carefully folded team list confirms his selection in the NSW Public Schools side. Against Papua New Guinea at Harker Oval, the scrapbook records a narrow 10–8 defeat, but headlines describe him as a “future champion half-back.”
Mark Shulman, Photo Album 003 Mark Shulman, Photo Album 003St. George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Football Club
Entering the Dragons’ System | 1970
Photographs of grade teams mark his arrival at senior level. The half-back jersey had long belonged to Billy Smith - a legend Shulman admired. Breaking into First Grade would demand more than talent.
First Grade Debut | 1972
A match program preserved in the album lists his name in First Grade for the first time. Reports describe “splendid service” and fearless defence - the smallest player on the field directing traffic among giants.
“The smallest man in Rugby League.”
Sydney press, 1977
Measured Against the Giants
Press clippings from the mid-1970s sensationalise his stature. At approximately 155-158cm and 63-67kg, he was widely labelled the smallest man in rugby league - a stark contrast to the era’s “Big Man” revolution.
The 1973 Fracture
One scrapbook page turns sombre. Headlines describe a devastating double-bone leg fracture late in the 1973 season. The injury, many predicted, would end his career.
“End of football?”
Headline following leg fracture, 1973
Mark ShulmanSt. George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Football Club
Rehabilitation and Return
Medical notes and personal correspondence hint at the long recovery - surgery, a metal plate, restricted movement. Only after its removal in 1975 did acceleration return. The tone of clippings shifts from doubt to admiration.
The Tactical Evolution of 1977
Under Coach Harry Bath, Shulman’s game matured. Instead of dragging forwards into space, he followed their explosive surges, striking at defensive fractures with precision.
Semi-Final Mastery
Clippings from the 1977 semi-final against Parramatta fill multiple pages. His defensive domination of Ray Price earned joint 'Man of the Match' honours.
“What he did to Price was nobody’s business!”
Semi-final report, 1977
Mark Shulman, Photo Album 002 Mark Shulman, Photo Album 002St. George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Football Club
The 1977 Grand Final
Programs and press photos commemorate his appearance in the historic 1977 NSWRFL Grand Final. In a drawn decider that became one of rugby league’s most dramatic spectacles, Shulman stood unflinching among far larger opponents.
Most Courageous Player
A preserved award certificate recognises him as the Dragons’ Most Courageous Player in 1977. Carefully mounted by Shulman himself, the page speaks quietly but clearly of pride. In a career defined by doubt, this honour was not just recognition - it was vindication.
“A heart as big as a Dragon.”
Contemporary commentary, 1977
Mark Shulman, Photo Album 006 Mark Shulman, Photo Album 006St. George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Football Club
A Career Shortened
After a career-ending injury, Shulman was forced to retire from First Grade. His scrapbook preserves each match, photo, and clipping - a testament to the courage, resilience, and pride that defined his playing years.
Mark Shulman, Photo Album 007 Mark Shulman, Photo Album 007St. George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League Football Club
The Little Giant Endures
Through these preserved pages, Mark Shulman’s legacy becomes clear: tactical intelligence over brute force, psychological fortitude over criticism, courage over size.
In the history of Australian rugby league, the smallest man in the competition became one of its bravest.
155 centimetres.
Unlimited courage.
Created by Museum, Archives and Art Services for St George D.R.L.F.C
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